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Biden says Assad’s fall in Syria is a ‘fundamental act of justice,’ but ‘a moment of risk’The emergency call comes in just before midnight. In the driver's seat of a battered Toyota Hilux pickup truck, 29-year-old Chamunolwa Jimayi chats briefly with the caller. He hangs up the phone and shouts to his two colleagues in the back to hold on tight, then shoots off at high speed through the city center, careening around the traffic. Jimayi's job is not your regular 9-to-5. He's a member of a three-man Elephant Response Team fighting to keep the peace amid a worsening and at times deadly conflict between humans and the world's largest land animal. His hometown of Livingstone, Zambia, lies on the edge of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and has long witnessed incidents of human-wildlife conflict. But the combination of recent urban expansion and successive poor rainy seasons has led to a dramatic escalation. "Sometimes we get more than 30 calls in a day," says Jimayi, who receives only a stipend of around $140 a month. "The game park is almost completely dry. So the elephants are just coming into the community to feed. We've been receiving a huge number." As he drives, signs of elephant incursions are visible all around: cinderblock walls with gaping holes, splintered mango, acacia and mopane trees, freshly deposited piles of dung. Strings of old beer cans and potato chip packets, designed to scare away elephants, adorn the walls of roadside homes. With his favorite reggae playlist straining the vehicle's dust-choked sound system, Jimayi heads for the suburb of Linda, where he's learned that a pair of elephants are wreaking havoc in a residential area. Tensions there are high after a string of deaths caused by elephants. If the community responds with aggression, the situation could become volatile, putting both people and elephants in danger. "They're friendly animals. They don't come to harm anyone," says Jimayi, who has a deep appreciation and respect for elephants. "But not everyone understands what I see in them. The community is really scared of these animals. And some are angry. People have lost their loved ones. Our goal is to keep the community and the elephants safe." By the time Jimayi and his colleagues arrive at the scene, one of the elephants has disappeared back into the bush. He finds the other walking along a residential street and maneuvers the truck to try and cut it off. A brief standoff ensues as Jimayi and the elephant size each other up, neither willing to back down. "Easy boy, back you go," he shouts through the open window. A few moments later, the elephant starts to run. Revving his engine, Jimayi pursues it through the streets of Linda, turning this way and that to channel it away from the settlement until eventually it ducks beneath a footbridge and disappears into the darkness in the direction of the national park. The Elephant Response Team gets going This has been Jimayi's life since 2019 when the Elephant Response Team was launched by a small Livingstone-based nonprofit, the Conservation and Tourism Society, in response to what was already, long before the drought began, a growing problem of human-wildlife conflict. With a total budget of barely $40,000 per year, CATS also helps search the national park for snares set by bushmeat poachers and carries out an extensive conservation education program designed primarily to teach people how to stay safe around elephants. The advice includes tips such as: always stay at least 300 feet from an elephant, never confront them and don't expect to outrun them: elephants can hit 28 mph. They also teach residents about the different forms of elephant deterrents available to protect their homes and gardens, like reflector fences and "chili bricks" — a potent mix of elephant dung, used engine oil and fresh chili peppers that produces a noxious smoke when burned. The Elephant Response Team is based in Dambwa South, a neighborhood of single-story brick homes set in a maze of dusty streets on the edge of the National Park and one of the areas worst affected by human-wildlife conflict. Every evening through the long months of the dry season – typically between May and October -- children gather along the park perimeter to watch the daily exodus of wildlife crossing into town in search of food. Crocodiles hunt for prey in sewage ponds, hippos lumber past industrial buildings, and zebras and buffalo graze contentedly by the roadside, seemingly oblivious to their human audience. From about 7 p.m. onward, elephants take over the streets. The park was once ringed by a fence but maintaining it has proved a challenge. Either it succumbs to elephant damage or is looted by residents looking to make a few dollars from the scrap metal. What remains are lines of empty fence poles and, here and there, a section of mangled wire flattened by the passage of animals. Park authorities say they are currently building a new one, with additional electric fencing in some areas, but Dominic Chiinda, director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, admits that a fence is unlikely to prove a lasting solution. Since 1990, Zambia's population has nearly tripled from 7.68 million to over 21 million. In that time, Dambwa South has sprawled outward to the point where, today, the outermost houses lie no more than 16 feet from the boundary of the national park. "When we were growing up, there were no houses here," says Jimayi, as he warms his hands over a campfire at the team's base in Dambwa South. "This whole place was just full of trees. The elephants know this used to be their land." Tough life for the locals For the residents of the homes nearest the park perimeter, life has become a daily struggle. "This was the only house we could find," says Janet Sikabonga, 36, who recently moved to the area with her husband and four children. "We didn't know there would be elephants here. We thought they would be inside the national park." The previous night, Sikabonga had watched through her window as four elephants entered her front yard, destroying her water tap and her clothes line. Over the past few weeks, elephants had also destroyed her guava tree and her vegetable patch, prompting the family to abandon efforts to grow their own food. They no longer venture outside after dark. "I don't know what to do," says Sikabonga, whose family relies on the money her husband earns doing odd-jobs for a Livingstone hotel, and who lacks the means to move again. "They destroy everything. Last night I was so scared I didn't even sleep". Most incidents of human-wildlife conflict don't result in physical injury, but deaths still occur on a regular basis. So far this year, the DNPW has reported 10 people killed by elephants in the town. One evening in August, 91-year-old tobacco trader Luka Chiyesu was on his way back from the market, following the same route he'd taken every day for years, when he encountered a herd of elephants. "I found my father's body just lying there in the bush," recalls his son, also called Luka, as he sits on a plastic chair in the yard of his home in the Nakatindi neighborhood. "He died on the spot." Luka Jr, who grew up around elephants, always held them in great esteem, seeing them as "the mother of all animals." Now, he feels conflicted. "We used to live peacefully. Nobody was ever attacked by elephants," he says. "Things have changed a lot. When they see us, they see an enemy. When we see them, we see an enemy. That day, if I had a gun, I'd have shot two or three." The death of Luka Chiyesu triggered anger in the community not only toward elephants but also toward the Department of National Parks and Wildlife over their perceived failure to protect communities living near the national park. After the old man's death, it took hours for a DNPW vehicle to arrive on the scene. When one eventually turned up, an angry mob stoned it. None of those spoken to by NPR said they were aware of the Department carrying out elephant patrols in the area. "They don't care about the people anymore -- they only care about the animals," said Luka Jr, echoing a widely held perception in the town. "They say this is a corridor of elephants. They say it's a wildlife area." Dominic Chiinda said the department does have a vehicle assigned to elephant patrols in Livingstone but that more are needed to effectively cover such a large area. He also said many of the "unfortunate incidents" of deaths and injuries caused by elephants were "self-inflicted," alleging that some of the victims may have been drunk, and that villagers were planting their crops too close to elephant corridors. Chiinda said the department was trying to teach people about elephant safety, as well as distributing fireworks to affected communities to help them scare off elephants. They're also providing supplementary food for wildlife in the National park. Livingstone sits within the Kavango Zambezi Conservation Area (KAZA), the world's largest terrestrial conservation area, which is home to more than half of Africa's savannah elephants and more than 2 million people. Spanning five countries, it contains a kaleidoscope of protected areas connected by so-called wildlife corridors that allow animals to move between one national park or reserve and another along traditional migration routes. The pachyderm puzzle The approach has helped to sustain elephant numbers in the KAZA at a time when, elsewhere on the continent, they are in decline. Yet for people living in the corridors, the regular passage of elephants poses numerous challenges. "This is a village, not a national park," complained David Mweetwa, a 35-year-old schoolteacher in the village of Simoonga, a few miles from Livingstone, whose sister was killed by an elephant in April. "The authorities should put up a wire to prevent animals coming in. If they did that, it would save lives." Another fraught issue is that of compensation. There's currently no government policy in place to provide assistance for the victims of elephant attacks or damage, yet such events can be ruinous for those involved. Many rely heavily on their vegetable patches or fruit trees. And in the case of a death, funeral costs are a heavy burden. Namukolo Kabuki was a successful market trader until her son was killed by an elephant in Linda last year. To pay for the funeral, she had to sell her entire stock of plastic kitchenware, charcoal and goats. A year later, she still hasn't been able to raise the capital to restart her business. Dominic Chiinda of the DNPW said the department is currently reviewing legislation to introduce a system of compensation by the start of the next dry season, yet he acknowledged that implementing it will be complicated. "Every night, families are losing their fruit trees, their gardens, their fences," said Brighton Manongo, a farmer and community leader in Dambwa South, who once lost 1,000 heads of cabbage to elephants in a single incident. "Who would you even compensate? There'd be a claim every day. And you can't buy back a life." In human-wildlife conflict hotspots across Southern Africa, several organizations have put in place measures to try to protect people from elephant raids. These include building "beehive fences", planting fields of chilli as a "buffer crop" and the practice of "cluster fencing" -- when groups of farmers with adjacent fields cooperate to build a fence around their properties. "There's a lot of optimism that humans and elephants will be able to co-exist in close proximity," said Chris Thouless, director of the Kenya-based conservation organisation, the Elephant Crisis Fund. "But there hasn't been enough discussion about precisely what we mean when we talk about coexistence. The mitigation measures are good up to a certain point, but none of them is a silver bullet if the underlying issues are still there." Burning chili bricks With the human population increasing across the region, Thouless believes we must adopt a "triaged approach" to addressing human-elephant conflict: accepting that in some areas, where the population density of people and elephants has reached a certain threshold, efforts toward mitigation may be unsustainable. In these instances, he says, separation may be the only solution. Thouless believes we should focus instead on areas where some form of long-term coexistence may be achievable. In Livingstone, Manongo does his best to mitigate the danger. After the loss of his cabbage harvest, he abandoned growing vegetables in favor of keeping fish and goats. And every night he burns chilli bricks in the four corners of his yard. Yet the bricks only last a few hours; new ones must be lit throughout the night. Three days earlier, Manongo had failed to get out of bed to light the next round of chilli bricks. In the morning he woke to find a section of his fence destroyed. "If you make a mistake, you're going to suffer damage," he said. "We're on the frontline here". Part of the hostility toward elephants stems from the fact that few people in communities like Dambwa South see any tangible benefit from the wildlife tourism they bring. To address this, Manongo runs a series of urban elephant safari tours to bring in tourist dollars – the fee is $50 per person -- and to demonstrate the advantages of living with elephants. The tour guides preach "co-existence," but it's an uneasy balance. As soon as the tourists have wrapped up their elephant viewing, the Elephant Response Team is sent in to herd the animals back to the park before they can cause any damage. "Here, coexistence would mean keeping the elephants on one side of a fence and the humans on the other," Manongo acknowledges. As the night wears on, the members of the Elephant Response Team continue with a mix of patrols and callouts. From time to time they come across people walking alone in the darkness and stop to give them a ride. They spot one man, who appears to be inebriated, staggering along a road directly toward a herd of buffalo grazing near a conference center. Elephants are also nearby. "Life is precious," admonishes Jimayi, as the team drop the man safely at his destination. "If you want to get drunk, do it at home." At one point, the team are confronted with a breeding herd of over 40 elephants. They attempt to corral them back toward the park. Jimayi skillfully maneuvers the vehicle back and forth through dense bush, clattering over shrubs and tree stumps, issuing a stream of orders and pleas to the herd through the open window. They say they think the strategy works. But no sooner do some of the elephants start to head back toward the park than others break off in the opposite direction. At the same time, other groups of elephants are being reported elsewhere in the town. "As soon as we try to park the car we get a call --Come to Linda, then come to Nakatindi, then come somewhere else," says Gift Ngandu, at 21, the youngest member of the team. "It goes on like that all night." The work is exhausting, and by the end of the dry season, when food in the park is scarcest and human-wildlife conflict peaks, the volunteers are getting by on barely two or three hours of sleep a night. CATS has repeatedly attempted to hire a second driver to give Jimayi a break, but none of the candidates have returned after their trial shift. "They feel the job is risky," says Jimayi. "And that you could be killed by an animal at any time. But if I thought like that I don't think I'd be able to work. The key is to understand the elephants." A Toyota serves as sheepdog Elephants are not inherently aggressive animals, says Chris Thouless, who first began studying human-elephant conflict in the early 1990s. Yet certain factors can make them more so. The team members know to look out for secretions on the sides of the faces of bull elephants, a sign that they may be in musth -- a testosterone-fueled state that can make them more likely to act aggressively. They are wary of getting between a mother and her calf -- and keep a close eye on any elephants that appear to be sick or wounded. "Elephants are like people," said Thouless. "They can be aggressive when threatened, but they're peaceful when they feel comfortable." "You need to be able to see what mood they're in and be able to tell a real charge from a mock charge," says Gift Ngandu. "You need to understand their behavior. If you talk to them politely they're very friendly. You need to show them that you're not here to harm them." When the team members approach an elephant, they start gently, doing their best to coax and nudge the animal out of harm's way. They talk to the elephants, gently revving their engine and using their spotlight to convey the message that it's time to leave. Some of the elephants now recognize the team and depart of their own accord, knowing that if they don't, they're likely to be chased away with more forceful measures, Ngandu says. When the elephants stand their ground, the team up the ante, bringing their vehicle in close, often within feet of the herd, shouting instructions and revving hard on the engine. Turning this way and that to round up stragglers and keep the animals moving in the right direction, they deploy their ageing Toyota as a farmer might a sheepdog. Shortly before dawn, the team conduct their last routine patrol of the night, rounding up the few elephants left in the town and ushering them back toward the national park, while the residents of Dambwa South emerge to assess the night's damage. Once a safe distance from the nearest houses, Jimayi switches off the engine. For a while, the team sits together in the truck, watching in companionable silence as the lumbering giants disappear, one by one, into the trees. "I feel so privileged to be able to do this job," says Jimayi. "When I see an elephant, I see an animal that's gentle, peaceful and intelligent. I hope that one day we can learn to live together." Tommy Trenchard is an independent photojournalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. He has previously contributed photos and stories to NPR on the Mozambique cyclone of 2019, Indonesian death rituals and illegal miners in abandoned South African diamond mines. Copyright 2024 NPRfortune gems 777 。

Dehradun, Nov 24 (PTI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced that the film 'The Sabarmati Report' will be exempted from entertainment tax across the state. Uttarakhand is the seventh BJP-ruled state to have made the film tax-free after Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The film, directed by Dheeraj Saran, is based on the 2002 Godhra riots and was released in cinemas on November 15. It stars Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna and Ridhi Dogra in pivotal roles. Dhami, after watching the film said, "59 Ram devotees who boarded from Ayodhya were travelling in the Sabarmati Express train and it was set on fire at Godhra station, due to which they died untimely. There was less investigation and more politics in the matter. The truth did not come out." He praised the film producer Ekta Kapoor and the entire team for bringing out the truth and said that back then the "urban naxal media propagated the incident as a lie". He appealed to everyone to watch the film. HIG HIG (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Buenos Aires, Argentina–(Newsfile Corp. – December 27, 2024) – Central Puerto , (NYSE: CEPU) a leader in electricity generation in Argentina, continues to consolidate its investment strategy in the forestry and mining sectors and announces today a strategic investment in the “3 Cruces” lithium mining project, located in the province of Catamarca. This initiative reaffirms the company’s commitment to boost the Argentine mining industry, especially in those projects linked to the production of critical elements for the energy transition, which also represents a significant improvement for the economic and social development of the province of Catamarca. With this investment, Central Puerto acquires a 27.5% stake in the “3 Cruces” project, recognizing its great potential as a future lithium-producing mine in the highest-grade basin discovered in Argentina. This decision is aligned with the company’s vision of focusing on export industries that show high comparative advantages and consolidating itself as a key player in the value chain of electric mobility and renewable energies. Nevado Tres Cruces, Catamarca, Argentina To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11112/235397_2b4c2422542bd8e5_002full.jpg Fernando Bonnet, General Manager of Central Puerto, said: “This investment not only represents an important milestone in Central Puerto’s growth strategy, but also a unique opportunity to promote the development of the southern region of the Province of Catamarca. The “3 Cruces” project will generate quality employment for the inhabitants of the region, promoting economic and social growth. In addition, as part of this project we are committed to contributing all our capacity to collaborate in carrying out this project responsibly, respecting the environment and working closely with local communities”. Lithium is a strategic mineral for the future of energy and mobility, and we are convinced that “3 Cruces” has the potential to become a benchmark project for the region. With this initiative, Central Puerto reaffirms its objective of becoming an essential player, as an Argentine company, in the development of mining in the country and as a protagonist in the challenges posed by the energy transition. About the “3 Cruces” project 3C is a recently discovered high-grade lithium project in Argentina. It is located in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. Approximately 30 km from the Chilean border and 154km from Fiambala. The company already owns 100% of a total of 27,540 ha adjacent to the 3Q project of the former Neo Lithium Corp., now Zijin Corporation; and controls another 50,000 ha of neighboring areas. Initial work began in December 2023, with the consolidation of mining rights with its epicenter at the Tres Cruces Volcano and the alluvial cone right next to the Tres Quebradas salt flat. The preliminary results of Geophysics also confirm a geology shared with Tres Quebradas, so high grades and low impurities are expected. About Central Puerto S.A.: Central Puerto is a leading company in the production of electricity in Argentina that has 14 generation plants of various technologies, more than 1,600 employees and reaches a 20.13% market share thanks to its operational excellence and profitability. Its mission is to produce electricity in an efficient, sustainable way and in harmony with the environment. At the same time, it seeks to contribute to the supply of demand, managing businesses in a way that creates value not only for the company, but also for society. Currently, it has an installed generation capacity of 6,703 MW. For more information, please visit: www.centralpuerto.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235397 #distroReigning champion Kansas City edged Carolina and Detroit ripped Indianapolis on Sunday to reach an NFL-best 10-1 while Dallas shocked arch-rival Washington to snap a five-game losing streak. Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns and Spencer Shrader kicked a 31-yard field goal on the final play to lift Kansas City over the host Panthers 30-27. Chuba Hubbard's 1-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion run had put Carolina level with 1:46 remaining, setting the stage for the Chiefs' seven-play, 57-yard march to set up the winning kick. Joining the Chiefs with a 10th triumph to keep a conference lead was Detroit, with Jahmyr Gibbs rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns and David Montgomery running for another score in the Lions' 24-6 triumph at Indianapolis. A wild finish with 38 points in the last 5:16 marked the Dallas Cowboys' 34-26 victory at Washington, where the Commanders appeared to have lost, then made an amazing comeback only to fall in the end. Cooper Rush's second touchdown pass, a 22-yarder to Luke Schoonmaker with 5:16 remaining, gave Dallas a 20-9 edge, but Jayden Daniels threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz and ran for a 2-point conversion to pull Washington within 20-17. KaVontae Turpin answered with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown on the ensuing play, but again the Commanders responded as Austin Seibert kicked a 51-yard field goal and Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining. Seibert, however, shockingly missed the conversion kick to keep Dallas ahead 27-26 and the Cowboys added a Juanyeh Thomas 43-yard kickoff return touchdown on the next play to seal victory. At Miami, Tua Tagovailoa threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns to spark the Miami Dolphins over New England 34-15. At Chicago, Minnesota's John Parker Romo kicked a 29-yard field goal with 2:10 remaining in overtime to lift the Vikings over the host Bears 30-27. Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns as the Vikings improved to 9-2. At Houston, Chig Okonkwo caught a 70-yard go-ahead touchdown pass from Will Levis in the fourth quarter as Tennessee upset the host Texans 32-27. Levis threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns and Tony Pollard ran for 119 yards and a touchdown as the Titans reached 3-8 and Houston fell to 7-5. Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield threw for 294 yards to spark the Buccaneers over the host New York Giants 30-7. js/sev

With Trump’s inauguration a few weeks away, NH prepares for changing immigration plansTaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co has started mass production at its first factory in Japan, as the government steps up efforts to strengthen supply chains for critical and essential goods. The factory in Kumamoto Prefecture produces logic chips with 12 to 28 nanometer process technologies for use in cars and image sensors for customers such as Sony Group Corp and auto parts maker Denso Corp. The world's largest contract chipmaker plans to build its second factory in Japan next to the first plant to produce more advanced 6-nanometer chips. The construction is expected to begin by March next year and the company seeks to start operations by the end of 2027. The Japanese government has agreed to offer more than 1 trillion yen in subsidies to TSMC. It sees domestic chip production as critical for its economic security as heavy dependence on major supplier Taiwan poses geopolitical risks stemming from rising tensions between the United States and China over the self-ruled island. Kumamoto Gov Takashi Kimura called on TSMC to consider setting up its third plant in the prefecture, when he visited its headquarters in Taiwan in August.

Harnessing nature’s fury: Can glacial floods provide renewable energy?Starmer to visit troops serving on Russian border in push for Ukraine support

Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Never miss any of the fun stuff. Get the biggest stories and wackiest takes from the Daily Star, including our special WTF Wednesday email Something went wrong, please try again later. Never miss any of the fun stuff. Get the biggest stories and wackiest takes from the Daily Star, including our special WTF Wednesday email The UK has been rocked by several earthquakes over the past month, with some towns hit with multiple in one day. From the Highlands to the Bristol Channel, several residents would have been in the middle of an earthquake without even realising it. Experts at the British Geological Society say that the UK has around 300 earthquakes a year that are picked up by advanced technology. However, only 30 are actually felt by residents. Adding to this, there are hundreds that happen a year that sometimes go unnoticed due to the need of extremely sensitive equipment. This does not mean the UK is exempt from considerable damage. The most damaging UK earthquake in terms of intensity occurred in 1884 in...

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Lisa McHugh and daughter Hallie (Image: Instagram) Get the latest Belfast Live breaking news on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Join us on WhatsApp Country singer Lisa McHugh has had to postpone her upcoming Belfast concert due to her daughter being in hospital. Earlier this week, she revealed her daughter Hallie had been hospitalised with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). On her Instagram, Lisa shared a heartfelt message alongside photos of Hallie, emphasising the importance of protecting children from this common yet potentially serious illness. Read more: Lisa McHugh shares update on daughter who is 'having a rough time' in hospital On Friday, Lisa confirmed that her show at Belfast's Ulster Hall would be unable to go ahead on November 30 and that she was "disappointed" but looking forward to the rescheduled show next year. In a statement on social media, she said: "After what has been a truly traumatic and extremely worrying time for my family over the last couple of weeks, and as it stands, still being unsure on when Hallie will be well enough to get home from hospital, we unfortunately will have to reschedule our show in the Ulster Hall on 30th November. "As disappointed as I am to do this, right now I have to put my baby, her wellbeing and my family first. Lisa McHugh with her daughter Hallie in hospital (Image: Instagram) "And as well as that, I want to be able to give all of you the performance you truly deserve. "All tickets will still be valid for the new date which will now be saturday 1st march or a full refund is also available at the point of purchase. "We are extremely grateful for your prayers, support and messages of well wishes to date and apologies for any inconvenience caused. "Look forward to seeing you all on March 1st." For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow BelfastLive Facebook Twitter More On Ulster Hall Co Fermanagh

Shivakumar attributes Channapatna bypoll victory to ‘direct and indirect’ support from JD(S) and BJP leadersHello, Reader... How do you balance the potential for another 20%+ return for the market in 2025 with the growing risk of a fiery crash that ends this bull market? InvestorPlace’s technology investing expert, my friend and colleague Luke Lango , recommends that you “embrace the boom”... while you also “beware the bust.” But how do we do that, exactly? Today, I’m going to share a special video interview between Luke and InvestorPlace Digest Editor Jeff Remsburg in which they dive into this idea in more detail. Their discussion centers around Luke’s new stock screener, Auspex , which is engineered to identify the strongest stocks in the market according to a suite of fundamental, technical, and sentiment indicators. It’s one of the most rigorous, selective screening systems I’ve ever seen, flagging only around 10 to 20 stocks per month out of a universe of 10,000. Luke crunched the historical data, and from September 2019 to September 2024, if rebalanced monthly, Auspex would have returned 1,054%.Over the same period, the S&P 500 returned just 110%. Here are a handful of the other questions Luke and Jeff tackle: I’ll note that Luke’s commentary about 2025’s market conditions by itself is well worth the listen. By the way, if you missed it, Luke held a live event last week that went into even more details about Auspex. We’re making that broadcast available for a limited time, which you can access here. That’s enough introduction from me, folks. Press “play” below to watch for yourself. And once again, here’s the link to Luke’s Auspex Anomaly Event . Now, let’s look at what we covered here at Smart Money this past week... Smart Money Roundup There’s a Multi-Bagger Opportunity in This Classic Daily Routine If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you probably know this company and have frequented one of its drive-through coffee kiosks. If you live anywhere else in the U.S., you probably haven’t... but you will. That is why I’m highlighting a coffee company that I believe is especially attractive to investors right now. History Tells Us That This Is the Best Investing Strategy Similar to how the best predictor of college grades is a student’s high school grades, high performing companies tend to keep doing well once they get going. However, while momentum investing works well, Tom Yeung shares why we get excited when stocks go down. Google’s Quantum Breakthrough Could Change the Way We Invest in... Just About Everything Google’s latest quantum chip – called Willow – has the potential to reshape entire industries. Continue reading to learn how this advancement may impact your investment strategy going forward, especially as we continue down the Road to AGI. What Elon Musk’s Game-Changing Supercomputer Means for the AI Boom... Last month, we learned that Colossus – the world’s largest supercomputer – is about to get a lot bigger. And two AI companies are key in this expansion: Nvidia and Supermicro. My InvestorPlace colleague Louis Navellier discusses the ramifications of this announcement on the AI Boom, and briefly addresses whether investors can feel confident in these names moving forward . Looking Ahead When OpenAI launched ChatGPT two years ago, that was the moment that many consider the dawn of the Age of AI. But the newest development in the world of AI – what Louis Navellier, Luke Lango, and myself are calling AI Day One – is fast approaching. AI Day One will be the biggest, most transformational economic event of our lifetimes. It will also be the biggest investment opportunity of our lifetimes, where we believe the AI appliers will dominate. These are companies that are not at the forefront of producing the material needed to create AI. Instead, they are employing AI technology within their own products and services. Louis, Luke, and I will continue discussing AI Day One – and all that it entails – throughout this week. Stay tuned... Regards, Eric Fry

FOODIES have been left totally divided over Aldi’s new Christmas sauce. Not only have people claimed that the much-loved chain has gone ‘too far’ with the condiment, but others have described it as ‘gross’. But with just 17 days until December 25th, what do YOU think about the unique product? Every December, the supermarket releases plenty of festive treats - but some are ‘horrified’ and think this new buy could be too much. It comes after shoppers spotted Aldi’s two new festive takes on the classic Mayonnaise condiment - Cranberry Mayonnaise and Sage and Onion Stuffing Mayonnaise. Each 250g jar costs just £1.29, making it super affordable, but not everyone was keen. According to the supermarket, the Bramwells Cranberry Mayonnaise is the "ultimate gravy alternative on Christmas Day. It offers a "creamy take on the traditional sweet and tangy sauce". Meanwhile, the Sage and Onion Stuffing mayo brings a "delicious twist on tradition". But food fans were totally divided by the unique sauces, in particular the Sage and Onion Stuffing Mayonnaise. Bargain hunters flocked to social media to share their thoughts, after the chain shared a snap of the cheap buy on the official @ aldiuk Instagram account. The supermarket penned: “Our NEW Sage & Onion Stuffing Mayonnaise will have you switching up your Christmas traditions this year. “Perfect for dipping your pigs in blankets into or adding EVEN MORE festive flavours to your party nibbles.” The post has quickly racked up over 6,500 likes, but foodies were seriously divided - whilst some thought the chain had gone ‘too far’, others thought it sounded ‘amazing’. IF you’ve ever shopped in Aldi or Lidl then you’ll probably have experienced its ultra-fast checkout staff. Aldi’s speedy reputation is no mistake, in fact, the supermarket claims that its tills are 40 per cent quicker than rivals. It’s all part of Aldi’s plan to be as efficient as possible - and this, the budget shop claims, helps keep costs low for shoppers. Efficient barcodes on packaging means staff are able to scan items as quickly as possible, with the majority of products having multiple barcodes to speed up the process. It also uses “shelf-ready” packaging which keeps costs low when it comes to replenishing stock. One user wrote: "Why do they have to mess about with traditional ingredients at Christmas time when they work perfectly well as they are all year?" Another commented: "Oh noooo this sounds so gross, sorry not sorry but mayo with sage AND stuffing...no no no.” Ermmm no! Not for me Whilst a third simply said: "Vile!" Alongside sick emojis, someone else slammed: “Ermmm no! Not for me.” I’ll be buying all the jars At the same time, many were quite keen to give the sauce a try. One Aldi fan beamed: "Ooohhh yum sage and onion!" A second chimed in: “That sounds immense.” Meanwhile, someone else penned: “Omg, this sounds amazing.” Another foodie was overjoyed and claimed: “I’ll be buying all the jars.” WHY fork out for an expensive bottle of wine when you can virtually get the same taste, but for less? Whispering Angel, £17 Aldi dupe: Chassaux Et Fils Atlantique Rosé, £4.99. Or Aldi's Sainte Victoire Provence Rosé, £12.49. Cali Red by Snoop Dogg, £12/£13 Aldi dupe: The Reprobates Californian Red, £9.99. Dark Horse Merlot, £10 Aldi dupe: Beachfront Malbec, £6.99 Laurent Perrier Rose champagne, £80 Aldi dupe: Crémant Du Jura, £8.99 Aperol Spritz, £17 Aldi dupe: Aperini Aperitif, £6.99

Pep Guardiola sure 75 per cent of Premier League clubs want Man City relegated

NBA Africa’s Akamanzi on sports investment, returnsMechtron Leads the Trend in Men's Lifestyle Tools with the Launch of an Innovative Product Lineup 12-16-2024 11:36 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: LianPR The highly anticipated results of the 2024 American Good Design Awards and French Design Awards have been announced, with Mechtron, a brand under Mechtron (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd., standing out among fierce competition to claim both prestigious honors. This achievement not only highlights Mechtron's exceptional accomplishments in design but also underscores its robust capabilities in technological innovation and intellectual property protection. International Design Awards: A Global Recognition of Excellence Mechtron's "Cyber-Mecha Universe Series" ( http://mechtron.tech/ ) captivated the judges with its distinctive futuristic aesthetic and cyberpunk elements, standing out among numerous entries. Winning the Good Design Award and French Design Award serves as a testament to Mechtron's innovation in product design and its significant market impact. These accolades also affirm the brand's value and its competitive edge on the global stage. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/086d2cbed19e79b965e6d60aa192129c.jpg Patented Technology: A Dual Guarantee of Innovation and Quality Mechtron continues to push the boundaries of product innovation, boasting multiple patented technologies, including but not limited to: 4V PRECISION SCREWDRIVER, 4V CYBER SCREWDRIVER, 4V T-SHAPE CYBER SCREWDRIVER and 8V LI-ION CYBER 2-SPEED HAMMER DRILL (1ST GENERATION). These design patents not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the products but also improve their functionality and user experience. Additionally, the development of utility and invention patents, such as for a new type of electric drill, has further elevated Mechtron's product performance. These innovations deliver superior efficiency and convenience, providing users with a highly optimized and reliable experience. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/2036478341dab94c4557b6ec39e3da89.jpg Product Lineup: The Perfect Fusion of Technology and Aesthetics Cyber-Mecha Universe Series offers a diverse range of products, including: l 4V PRECISION SCREWDRIVER( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VPRECISIONSCREWDRIVER.html)Engineered with a compact design and powerful functionality, this precision screwdriver is ideal for handling the assembly and disassembly of screws in delicate instruments. Its lightweight form factor and long-lasting battery can effortlessly manage the removal of over 400 micro screws. The one-button forward/reverse control ensures smooth and highly convenient operation. l 4V CYBER SCREWDRIVER( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VCYBERSCREWDRIVER.html)With its efficient performance and user-friendly operation, the 4V Precision Screwdriver is perfectly suited for everyday household tasks. Featuring a no-load speed of 270 RPM and an electric torque of 5N.m, it effortlessly handles a wide range of home repair and assembly projects. l 4V T-SHAPE CYBER SCREWDRIVER( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VTSHAPECYBERSCREWDRIVER.html)Its unique T-shaped design offers users enhanced convenience and versatility across various applications. The T-shape enables greater flexibility when operating in tight spaces or at specific angles, effectively meeting the demands of diverse usage scenarios. l 8V LI-ION CYBER 2SPEED HAMMAR DRILL (1ST GENERATION)( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/8VLIIONCYBER2SPEEDHAMMARDRILL1STGENERATION.html [ https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VTSHAPECYBERSCREWDRIVER.html])With its powerful performance and dual-speed settings, this tool is ideal for a wide range of professional and household applications. Featuring a no-load speed of 230 RPM/900 RPM and a maximum torque of 15N.m, it effectively handles drilling tasks from light to heavy-duty requirements. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/df8ce485b685f944010045d0ffda77f8.jpg Innovative Design: A Fusion of Futurism and Cyberpunk Aesthetics Mechtron's product designs seamlessly blend futuristic elements with cyberpunk aesthetics, offering users a truly unique experience. Each product feels like a magical key unlocking the door to the future, radiating unparalleled allure. These tools are more than just functional items-they are bold statements of personality and attitude for young men. By using Mechtron products, users can proudly express their passion for technology and mecha, while reveling in the excitement and joy that Mechtron brings to their lives. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/371898b99c9648aa008dc30df5bca4f4.jpg Brand Vision: Continuous Innovation, Leading the Trend Mechtron is committed to leveraging its innovative designs and patented technologies to consistently introduce high-quality tools tailored to the needs of modern urban men. By combining technology with aesthetics, the brand aims to deliver a more personalized and futuristic experience for its users. At the same time, Mechtron will continue to strengthen its intellectual property protections to maintain its leadership in technology and design. As the brand garners increasing recognition, Mechtron's market influence and competitiveness are set to grow even further. Through innovative designs and exceptional quality, it will meet consumers' aspirations for a refined lifestyle and personalized expression. Additionally, Mechtron is actively exploring international markets, bringing its brand philosophy and premium products to a global audience. Media Contact Company Name: Mechtron (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Contact Person: Andrew lo Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=mechtron-leads-the-trend-in-mens-lifestyle-tools-with-the-launch-of-an-innovative-product-lineup ] Country: China Website: http://mechtron.tech/ This release was published on openPR.

NonePercentages: FG .463, FT .632. 3-Point Goals: 5-11, .455 (Mincy 2-5, Parrish 1-1, King 1-2, Stewart 1-2, Harvey 0-1). Team Rebounds: 0. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 4 (Harvey, Peterson, Pierce, Stewart). Turnovers: 10 (Harvey 2, Pierce 2, King, Mincy, Parrish, Peterson, Scott, Stewart). Steals: 9 (Stewart 3, Mincy 2, King, Peterson, Pettaway, Pierce). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .271, FT .444. 3-Point Goals: 6-27, .222 (Harper 2-3, Nelson 1-2, Farmer 1-3, Galette 1-4, Maxey 1-6, Kirkland 0-1, Uijtendaal 0-2, Wilkerson 0-2, Carroll 0-4). Team Rebounds: 0. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 2 (Dynes, Galette). Turnovers: 15 (Galette 4, Carroll 3, Harper 2, Maxey 2, Wilkerson 2, Nelson, Uijtendaal). Steals: 6 (Farmer 3, Harper, Maxey, Nelson). Technical Fouls: None. A_103 (7,203).

Lightweight portion of the Bucs’ schedule begins with an easy win vs. GiantsIn September 2019, Donald Trump hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Texas, which drew an estimated 50,000 attendees and was regarded as one of the largest receptions ever held for a foreign leader in the United States. The following year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned the gesture by hosting Donald Trump in his home state of Gujarat, where an audience of more than 120,000 people attended the event. India-US relations saw substantial growth during Donald Trump’s first term as president from 2017 to 2021, marked by a strong focus on strategic alliances and common geopolitical objectives amid China’s expanding influence in South Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in 2019, followed by Donald Trump’s state visit to India in 2020, underscored the strengthening ties between the two nations. The partnership in defence advanced through agreements such as the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, reflecting a shared commitment to counter-terrorism efforts. The reactivation of the Quad alliance—comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia—emerged as a key regional security measure aimed at counterbalancing China’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region. India and the United States experienced a strained relationship for much of India’s post-independence history. An essential early principle of India’s foreign policy was nonalignment, a stance developed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India chose not to align with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War, aiming to preserve its sovereignty and pursue an independent course in international politics. However, following its defeat in the 1962 war with China, India turned to the United States for military assistance, marking a shift from its strictly nonaligned stance. This period of warming relations was brief, as the geopolitical landscape shifted in the 1970s. The United States moved closer to China in a diplomatic rapprochement, while India, in the context of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation with the Soviet Union, further complicating US-India relations. This alignment of India with the Soviet Union solidified a period of estrangement between the United States and India. The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s forced India to reevaluate its foreign policy, particularly its nonalignment principle and its relationship with the United States. Facing a crisis in its economic model that was primarily state-oriented, India began to reconsider its international posture and adopt a more pragmatic approach to foreign relations. This period marked a transformative shift, leading India to open up its economy and seek a broader range of global partnerships, including with the United States. This shift also set the stage for new dialogue and cooperation. Following India’s nuclear tests in 1998, the United States engaged with India to address concerns about nuclear non-proliferation, which ultimately opened up opportunities for closer bilateral relations and a new beginning in US-India ties. Today, India and the United States have developed converging strategic interests across various domains. Shared priorities include counter-terrorism efforts, managing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region, maintaining a rules-based international order, and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, including navigational freedom in the South China Sea. During the Trump administration, US-India relations intensified, continuing a bipartisan trend in Washington that had gained momentum during the later years of the Clinton administration. Successive Indian governments, led by Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BJP), Manmohan Singh (Congress), and Narendra Modi (BJP), consistently pursued closer ties with the United States, irrespective of party affiliation. This consistency highlights a broad consensus within both countries about the need for stronger strategic relations, as both sides recognized the mutual benefits of closer cooperation. Washington’s vision for the US-India relationship has leaned toward a more formalised alliance, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. The US approach seeks to institutionalise defence cooperation with India and foster a close military partnership. During the Trump administration, these goals were emphasised, with increased focus on India’s strategic role in the region. In 2017, the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy (NSS) underscored India’s significance in the Indo-Pacific for the first time, identifying China and Russia as nations that challenge US influence and security. The NSS emphasised a commitment to strengthen alliances and expand partnerships with countries like India, which share values such as respect for sovereignty, fair trade, and the rule of law. Under the Obama administration, the United States had already started to shift its focus toward Asia in what was termed a “pivot” to the Asia-Pacific, part of a broader strategy to rebalance in response to China’s rise. This strategy continued under Trump, with the administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy in 2017 placing significant importance on India’s role in ensuring regional peace and prosperity. The strategy was declassified in January 2021, revealing the United States’ intent to support India’s rise as a regional security provider. The plan aimed to build a foundation for enhanced defence cooperation, including increased interoperability, defence trade, and technology transfers. The strategy also promised US diplomatic, military, and intelligence support to India for addressing continental security issues like the border tensions with China. A primary goal of this Indo-Pacific strategy was to prevent China from creating spheres of influence in the region and to ensure the United States retained strategic dominance. The 2017 US strategy document explicitly framed India as a counterbalance to China, reflecting a realist approach that aimed to balance power in the Indo-Pacific. However, India was cautious about fully aligning with the United States in a direct stance against China, as it could compromise India’s goal of maintaining strategic autonomy. India seeks to preserve flexibility in its foreign policy, preferring a hedging strategy that allows it to engage with China while protecting its own interests. In this context, joint military exercises and arms purchases can align with either a balancing or hedging approach, as their intent may vary based on how adversaries, such as China, perceive India’s resolve and alliances. India’s aspirations extend to a higher status on the world stage, which includes securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and gaining entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). During the Trump administration, the United States formally supported these goals, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing India’s global standing. However, China’s resistance to India’s UNSC and NSG membership complicates these ambitions, making it unlikely that India will secure these positions in the near future despite American backing. US-India relations during the Trump era were also marked by a close personal relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The influence of the Indian American community, which has become increasingly politically active and economically successful in the US, played a role in strengthening ties between the two nations. Both Trump and Modi engaged with the Indian American community through events like the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston, which emphasised the leaders’ bond and also served to bolster their domestic political standing. Now, with the victory in the 2024 presidential elections, Donald Trump is expected to strengthen US-India ties during his regime. The Indo-US relationship has a chance to grow stronger. With the pragmatic leaders in his team, the focus can shift toward cooperation on key issues like countering terrorism, respecting India’s sovereignty, and building a balanced approach in the region. If the influence of liberal-globalist groups within the US government is limited, leaders like Kashyap Patel could help bring in a new era of partnership and mutual respect between the two countries.

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